Between muddy shoes, spills, and foot traffic, it’s no wonder carpets quickly lose their lustre.
Read on to find which are the 7 easy steps you take to protect and prolong the life of your carpets.
Use area rugs
One easy way to help protect your carpet from damage and keep it looking good is by using area rugs.
By strategically placing area rugs and runners in high-traffic areas, such as hallways and entryways, you can help prevent wear and tear on your carpet.
You might also consider using them in areas where there’s a lot of eating and drinking, like a dining room. The extra layer of protection can help minimise stains and prevent carpet fibres from becoming crushed over time.
Not only do area rugs add a decorative touch to your home, but they can also help you prolong the life of your carpet and keep it looking its best.
So why not add a few to your home today?
Doormats are your friends
Doormats are a great way to protect your carpets and maintain their appearance.
Placing doormats at your exterior doors prevents grime and dirt from tracking into your home. And during colder months, when snow and slush can be especially problematic, consider placing a doormat inside your entryway as well.
This way, you will have a dedicated spot to remove your shoes without worrying about dirt or debris being tracked in.
Additionally, doormats can help keep your carpets cleaner and reduce wear and tear caused by foot traffic.
Vacuum regularly
To be well-maintained, carpets should be vacuumed regularly.
According to some sources, it’s highly recommended to do it daily to prevent dust accumulation.
However, other sources say that once or twice a week is enough.
The key point here is to vacuum the underside as well because it can contain a lot of dirt. Also, don’t forget the fringes (if there are) because they can easily get caught in the vacuum, seriously damaging your carpet. Brushing them out by hand will be enough.
Rotate
This is a particularly simple tip but to make sure your carpet wears out equally, rotate it at least once a year.
That way, the wear from traffic and sun fading will be evenly distributed throughout your carpet and not concentrated in one specific area.
This is particularly important in areas of high foot traffic and those exposed to direct sunlight, which can cause fading and discolouration over time.
Spot Clean
If your carpet gets spotted, you should clean the spots immediately, or you may risk ruining it.
Depending on the type of spot, you could follow some of the tips below:
- Water: You can blot out with paper towels or a clean white cloth. Put the cloth on the underside and place the towel on the upper side. That way you will manage to get the most water out. Another option is to dry it out with a fan or a hair dryer set on cold or warm. Don’t set it on hot!
- Food/drinks: Use a spoon to remove the bigger particles or the drink drops and use a paper towel or a clean cloth to remove the rest. Rinse the stain with cold water by using a sponge or a cloth. Afterwards, blot dry and sponge with a carpet shampoo or a homemade cleaning solution. Don’t use a stiff brush, if your carpet is shaggy because it can pull the fibres. Sponge the area with cool water to finish and let it dry completely.
- Pet stains – urine, poop and throw-up: Pet stains are really hard to deal with. The smell is awful and very hard to remove. Besides, urine can cause the dyes to run and damage the structure of the rug. Won’t even mention that it attracts moths. You can buy a special cleaning detergent to help you clean the stains. You can treat the poop and throw-up by scraping up all the foreign material and washing it with carpet shampoo or other specialised detergent developed especially for this type of problem. Just check in your local pet supply store. Don’t forget to test products on a small area before applying it all over your carpet.
- Ink/marker stains – Ink and marker stains on carpets can be particularly difficult to remove, but there are some effective methods you can try. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can cause it to spread. Next, apply rubbing alcohol to the stain using a clean cloth or cotton ball, and blot gently until no more ink or marker is transferring onto the cloth. If the stain remains, mix equal parts water and vinegar and apply it to the stain, then blot gently with a clean cloth until the stain is removed. Keep in mind that it may take several attempts to fully remove the stain, and it’s always a good idea to test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of your carpet first to avoid damage or discolouration.
Ditch the shoes
If you want to keep your carpets looking good for longer, consider ditching your shoes at the door.
After all, shoes can track in all sorts of dirt and debris, which can take a toll on your carpet over time.
Taking off your shoes when you come inside can help keep your carpets cleaner and more vibrant. Plus, you’ll be doing your indoor air quality a favour by reducing the amount of dust and allergens tracked around.
It’s not just about looks, either. Taking off your shoes can also help your carpet last longer by reducing wear and tear caused by foot traffic. So why not give it a try? Your carpets (and your feet!) will thank you.
Deep clean your carpets
Vacuuming and spot cleaning can help keep your carpets looking good day in and day out.
However, over time, dirt and debris can build up in your carpet fibres, leading to discolouration, matting, and even damage. Professional carpet cleaning in Guildford can help remove these contaminants, restoring your carpet’s natural texture and colour.
Professional cleaners can also spot potential issues early on, such as signs of wear and tear or damage from spills or pets. By addressing these issues early, you can prevent more serious damage and help prolong the life of your carpet.
Most experts recommend having your carpets professionally cleaned at least once a year or more frequently if you have pets or small children.
Investing in regular carpet cleaning can help keep your carpets looking and feeling great for years to come.
Conclusion
Carpets can be an investment and should be appropriately maintained to keep them looking good for years.
With these few simple tips & techniques, you can protect them from wear and tear, spills and foot traffic.
